Atletico's Costa allays injury fears

Atletico Madrid top scorer Diego Costa, who was injured while scoring on Sunday, has allayed fears he could miss his side's Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

Costa told fans on Monday, "Of course I'll play" on Friday against Elche and completed a gym workout, although he did not train with the squad.

Atletico said Costa was not seriously injured despite being stretchered off after scoring late on in Sunday's 2-0 La Liga win at Getafe. He spoke briefly to fans following Monday's training session in Majadahonda.

Costa, 25, scored the clinching goal for Atletico, his 26th, stretching to meet a ball from Adrian Lopez, before knocking it over the line and then crashing into the post.

The striker was carried slowly from the pitch in obvious pain with his hands covering his face. Atletico played down the seriousness of the injury on their official Twitter account.

"Fortunately Diego Costa just has a cut after colliding with the post," the tweet read.

In his post-match news conference Atletico coach Diego Simeone also played down fears of an extended absence, saying he had seen Costa in the dressing room and there was no need to be too worried.

"Costa is fine, he is happy," Simeone said. "He made a great effort throughout. He has a cut, but it's not a big deal."

Simeone's press officer Jose Luis Pasques also took to Twitter soon after the final whistle.

"Relax guys," Pasques wrote. "It's all OK. Just need to fix the post."

Atletico are three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, and four above third-placed Barcelona, with just five La Liga games remaining.